gentrify |ˈjentrəˌfī|
verb ( gentrifies, gentrifying, gentrified ) [ with obj. ]
renovate and improve (esp. a house or district) so that it conforms to middle-class taste.
• (usu. as adj. gentrified) make (someone or their way of life) more refined or dignified.

junk 1 |jəNGk|
noun
1 informal old or discarded articles that are considered useless or of little value.


When my husband and I were thinking of names for an Etsy business we came up with Gentrified Junk. It was said in jest because we live in the East Village of Manhattan where "gentrification" is viewed as a bad word. As a native of the area I agree; gentrification is happening all over; for better or worse, and at times detracting from our history.
We reflected on the words that day and realized that it fit our philosophy with vintage items and doesn't have to be a bad word if done respectfully. Repurposing beautiful old items or incorporated them with the new can be a fulfilling journey. It is shabby sharing the same landscape as chic. It is a history lesson taught through decor.
My husband and I share the love of vintage and creating as well as the challenge of restoration and repurposing. We are teaching our two sons the same with our hobbies and our biggest project; restoring a 200 year old house in upstate NY. While maintaining our NYC life, working and raising kids we find our respite in each other and these journeys.